The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2019 decision by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner that denied an inquiry into former city engineer Prashant Waghmare, who is accused of holding ₹2,000 crore in disproportionate assets. The court ruled that the PMC commissioner, Saurabh Rao, overstepped his jurisdiction by assessing the merits of the case at a preliminary stage, which effectively blocked the investigation sought by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The bench, comprising Justice Ranjitsingh Raja Bhonsale and Justice A. S. Gadkari, stated that protection under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act cannot be invoked to halt inquiries into allegations of disproportionate assets. The court emphasized that corruption by public servants is detrimental to both the economy and societal integrity. The ACB is now instructed to move forward with the inquiry without needing prior approval from the PMC. The case was initiated by complainant Tanaji Balasaheb Gambhire, who alleged that Waghmare misappropriated funds through various means since joining the PMC in 1994. The court's decision underscores the importance of accountability in public service and the necessity of thorough investigations into corruption allegations.